Dyson is developing an electric car, according to a government report

Dyson is applying its engineering expertise to developing an electric car, according to new government documents released today.

The British tech company, which primary specialises in vacuum cleaners, is working on a new battery electric vehicle at their headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire with government funding to support the project.

Confirmation of the development was revealed in the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan which read: "The government is funding Dyson to develop a new battery electric vehicle at their headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

"This will secure £174m of investment in the area, creating over 500 jobs, mostly in engineering."

Dyson has already been making moves into developing battery technology having enjoyed a 20 per cent increase in 2015, driven by strong growth in China. The company recently invested £1bn in battery technology over the next five years. Last year it bought solid-state battery company, Sakti3, for $90m, which founder Sir James Dyson said had “developed a breakthrough in battery technology.”

The government has been providing funding to a number of big companies outside the automotive industry, such as Apple, to develop electric cars.

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